Italy Unveils New Payment Model For CAR T-Cell Therapy

The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has announced that it will be reimbursing CAR-T cell therapy Kymriah based on a new reimbursement approach -  ‘payment at results’. The novel reimbursement approach will involve payment in three instalments depending on the patient’s response to treatment.

First payment will be made at the time of infusion of the drug, a second payment after 6 months and the final instalment after 12 months. Payment for the drug may be stopped at any point over the 12 month period if the treatment proves to be ineffective. 

The new reimbursement approach is a departure from the so-called 'outcomes-based' models implemented in Italy for years with little success. 

Funding for Kymriah will be from a Special Fund for Innovative Oncology Drugs which has an annual budget of around €500 million.